Three high school softball programs from Douglasville, Alexander, Chapel Hill and Douglas County, each played in the Georgia High School Association playoffs in the past two weeks and concluded stellar 2013 campaigns.

Alexander (20-10) finished second in Region 5-AAAA in the regular season and hosted River Ridge in the first round of the playoffs on Oct. 16. The Cougars won the first two games of the best-of-three series, 5-4 and 12-4, advancing to the second round against Madison County.

Alexander dropped both contests, ending its season but not the positive outlook of the year.

“It was nice making the playoffs because that’s the ultimate goal,” Alexander head coach Zack Graham said. “We started practicing in July and worked hard to have a good season.” The Cougars will return several standout players such as outfielder Trinity Kirkland, pitcher Sydnee Council and infielders Josie Nunn, Katie Byrd and Tali Milde, who will attend Auburn University in the fall of 2014. “We’ll lose some valuable seniors but are also optimistic about the players returning to our program for next season,” Graham said.

Chapel Hill (18-12) emerged from the regular season as Region 4-AAA champions earning the Panthers a top-seed in the playoffs, hosting Henry County in a first round series on Oct. 16. Chapel Hill dominated Henry County by decisive victories of 10-1 and 12-1, advancing the Panthers to the second round, hosting Pierce County on Oct. 23. Chapel Hill won the first game, 4-1, but ultimately dropped the series 2-1.

“We accomplished several of our goals this season including winning a region title,” Chapel Hill head coach Mickey Harper said. The Panthers return several top players next season including pitchers Darby Demarest and Ashley Morgan.

Douglas County finished the regular season fourth in Region 3-AAAAAA, earning a first-round matchup against Lowndes on Oct. 16. The Tigers dropped both contests to conclude their season with nine wins, the most since a 10-win campaign in 2009.

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